**Russian Troops Regain Control in Kursk Oblast**
Russian forces have taken back more than 86% of the territory in Kursk Oblast that was captured by Ukraine, according to Valery Gerasimov, the chief of the Russian army’s General Staff. This comes as Ukrainian and Russian sources report that Russian troops have entered Sudzha, a key Ukrainian-held stronghold.
**Ukraine Prepares for Ongoing Battle**
Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed ongoing battles in the suburbs of Sudzha and surrounding areas. He stated that Ukraine will hold its defense in Kursk Oblast “as long as reasonable and necessary.” Ukrainian forces have been pushed back by Russian advances, with over 400 troops taken captive.
**Russia Seeks to Push Ukraine Out**
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his forces to regain control of the entire territory of Kursk Oblast. He also suggested creating a “security zone” along the border with Ukraine. According to Syrskyi, Russia is seeking to push Ukrainian troops out of Kursk Oblast and move the fighting to Sumy and Kharkiv oblast.
**Ukraine’s Demographic Challenges**
Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov highlighted the demographic challenges facing Ukraine in its fourth year of full-scale war. He stressed the need for international support to address these issues.
**Potential Ceasefire Talks**
US President Donald Trump suggested that a possible ceasefire agreement would require guarantees for Russia, taking into account their battlefield advances. This comes as sources report that Washington has “positive messages” about a potential ceasefire. However, it is unclear if negotiations are underway or what the terms of any agreement might be.
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